We are back from vacation at Camp of the Woods and are excited to share those pictures and memories with you. But….first and ten…..I mean “first things first”! The day before we left on vacation, we celebrated Joshua’s 9th birthday in the best way we know how for him….Philadelphia Eagles Football Style! We invited about 25 of his buddies (“teammates”) to party with him at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles: Lincoln Financial Field. Many parents joined us as well. After a fun ride to LFF, we all toured the field, press box, interview room, suites, and THE EAGLES LOCKER ROOM! What a thrill! We got a real flavor of what goes on behind the scenes with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here are just a few of the almost 200 pictures we took. (They are not in order….sorry….but Blogger is not cooperating!)
(To find out how to tour Lincoln Financial Field, click here. It’s lots of fun!)
In Autumn 2008, when Joshua was doing a Geography Journal for a third grade project, he received a reply letter from Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Reid encouraged Joshua to continue to work hard in school and thanked Joshua for his faithful support of the Eagles. For Joshua’s birthday, we had this letter framed for him.
In honor of the birthday boy Joshua, the Eagles contributed a new football for Rock Ministries. The Eagles representative told Joshua to pick out whichever football he wanted to donate to Rock. This was his choice.
Joshua and Uncle PJ in the press box.
Gabrielle and a few of the “sister-friends” she was delighted to have along as cheerleaders!
The Gill Guys checking out Joshua’s “Geography Journal” and the letter from Coach Reid.
From left to right:
Nana (Jim’s mom), Aunt Anne (my sis), Uncle PJ (my bro), Stephanie (our lovely niece) and Patrick (her wonderful boyfriend)
A few football decorations at home.
Joshua with Nana and Nan Nan (my mom). They have the spirit!
One of our terrific Team Moms (Cheryl) and my mom (Eileen)
It’s Game Time!
They lifted up the gate to the tunnel that leads onto the field! We all walked went out just as if we were the Eagles running out to play a game!
Wade, Joshua and Matt
Two of the dads who were serving as the team’s “Offensive Coordinators”.
Wade and Dan
Mommy in the Eagles Locker Room with Joshua and Gabrielle!
Jim and Gabrielle in front of Brian Westbrook’s locker!
Penalty Flag! Is that one of our Offensive Coordinators pushing the limit!?!?
Aunt Anne and Nan Nan
Thank you family and friends!
Wow! What a great way to celebrate Josh's 9th birthday! I bet he never forgets this one! What a generous heart that he has to donate all of his birthday gifts to Rock ministries. what a great idea! That is awesome!
What an incredible birthday and memory for Joshua!
Miss you and love you all!
Jill
Oh Sharon,
It all looks so great!! I am so thrilled Joshua got to celebrate amongst so many loved ones and how he honored others by blessing Rock Ministries. He is a gift and a joy indeed!
Fabulous post! Fabulous way to bring joy to your sweet boy and his "teammates"!
E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!
Hugs and more hugs 🙂
Heather
Sharon, seeing all those footballs almost made me cry. (I MUST be hormonal!) But seriously, what a blessing of generosity from your son. Wow.
This looks like the ultimate boy birthday party, and I suspect the dads had JUST as much fun. Looks like a great time!!!
Thank YOU for your special gifts to me. They'll be on my blog tomorrow. I am EXHAUSTED, but it was a nice trip.
Too much fun! What a great birthday! My son and hubby would be totally jealous…
I love the idea of giving the footballs away.
What a GREAT birthday idea, Sharon. Thank you for sharing all the pics…it's like I was there!!! Having an 11 year old son, I know how special that is. We took Bo to visit Panthers stadium when he was 8. It was like a dream come true for him to walk on the very same field the players did.
Josh's character SO shines through that he would choose giving rather than receiving for his birthday gift. What a blessing for you to experience!!!
Love you,
Wendy